Mayor Menino Announces City Preparations for Massive Winter Storm

Schools Closed FridaySnow Emergency and Parking Ban Take Effect at Noon FridayNon-Essential City Staff Urged to Stay HomeEmployers Urged to Allow Employees to Work from Home

Mayor Thomas M. Menino today called for the City´s Snow Team to execute plans to prepare for a major winter storm that is projected to bring blizzard-like conditions and possible hurricane-force wind gusts to Boston Friday and Saturday. The National Weather Service is advising people not to travel after noon on Friday.

"This is going to be a very serious storm," Mayor Menino said. "Safety is our number one priority, I want to stress that the best thing everyone can do Friday and Saturday is to stay home. Stay off the roads, stay safe and let our Public Works crews work."

o Schools will be closed Friday

o A Snow Emergency and Parking Ban will go into effect at noon on Friday.

o The City´s non-essential staff members are asked to stay home on Friday.

o Employers are asked to allow employees to work from home where possible.

The Mayor seeks to avoid gridlock on City streets and keep the streets clear to allow for Public Works and emergency vehicles to have unobstructed access to the roads. Commuters are asked not to drive into the City on Friday unless absolutely necessary. Please use public transportation where possible.

The Mayor has activated the City of Boston Storm Center to provide information and service to Boston residents for all storm-related issues. Residents with storm-related questions or concerns should call the Mayor´s 24-Hour Hotline at 617-635-4500 which will have extra staff on hand to field any possible increase in calls due to the storm. The Mayor´s Storm Team will continue to monitor the latest weather models and forecasts and will update the public with further information as it becomes available.

Boston Public Works crews are prepared for the storm, and will have almost 600 pieces of equipment active on City streets by early Friday morning. Having fewer cars on the road will help the crews clear the roads quickly and more efficiently.

Snow Emergency

While a snow emergency is in effect, parking is prohibited on all major arteries in Boston. Mayor Menino urges everyone to use public transportation when traveling. Residents are reminded to remain at home throughout the duration of this snow event and businesses tomorrow should consider asking employees to work from home.

Mayor Menino also reminds residents of the following:

o Older residents or those with health conditions should refrain from shoveling this heavy wet snow.

o During a Snow Emergency, parking is prohibited on all major arteries in Boston. These streets are posted with "Tow Zone - No Parking During Snow Emergency" signs.

During declared snow emergencies, discounted parking is available at several parking lots and garages to cars that display Boston resident parking stickers. Residents are encouraged to use the City´s "Know Snow" program for access to other important storm-related information. For more information, visithttp://cityofboston.gov/snow

Residents should put their trash out early. Trash collection will begin earlier Friday, at 6 a.m., in order to help Public Works crews clear roads later in the day.

Boston EMS reminds residents that shoveling snow, particularly when it is heavy and wet, can pose a serious health safety risk to persons with heart disease and senior citizens. Additional cold weather safety tips can be found here:http://www.cityofboston.gov/cold/safety.asp.

The City’s Shelter Commission asks that any resident who sees a potential medical emergency involving a homeless person dial 911.

To receive notifications about emergencies from the City, register for the Alert Boston network at http://www.cityofboston.gov/alertboston/. You can also follow @NotifyBoston on Twitter.

Parking Information | City of Bostonwww.cityofboston.govParking regulations are strictly enforced during snow emergencies. Violators will be subject to ticketing and towing. During declared snow emergencies, parking is prohibited on major arteries so that the